clunker saif?

FenrisWolf · 31st January 2007, 04:05 AM

Any time you want to get rid of that 'clunker', I'm sure you'll find someone to take it off your hands. That particular style of hilt belongs to a 'Nimcha'; a Berber sword, almost always seen with a European blade. It's also not uncommon to see tribal markings added to the blade at the time the hilt was attached, so you probably still have one on your sword, it's just been dressed up a bit. The odd quillions and the pseudo-pistol grip hilt are typical, though most I've seen are flat, without the projections rising perpendicular to the blade.

Even in rough shape like this it's nice to have as an example of type in your collection. Ones in decent shape tend to be quite pricey.

Pukka Bundook · 31st January 2007, 12:38 PM

Thank you Sir, for the reply.
After posting the pictures, I did see a similar example in an old 1978 Arms and armour review.
Felt somewhat embarrased not knowing the correct name!
I have the odd question;
1,
Can you tell me what the projections perpendicular to the blade are for?
2,
Is it possible to give an approximate age to this sword?
3,
Does anyone know of a source of information about Nimchas?
(I don't like to be ignorant!!)
4,
Would it be possible for someone to PM me with a Very approximat value?

( Purchasing it at auction, in a lot with cleaning rods and a walking stick has me wondering if I robbed myself or not!)
Thank you for your time,
Richard.

FenrisWolf · 31st January 2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

Thank you Sir, for the reply.
After posting the pictures, I did see a similar example in an old 1978 Arms and armour review.
Felt somewhat embarrased not knowing the correct name!
I have the odd question;
1,
Can you tell me what the projections perpendicular to the blade are for?
2,
Is it possible to give an approximate age to this sword?
3,
Does anyone know of a source of information about Nimchas?
(I don't like to be ignorant!!)
4,
Would it be possible for someone to PM me with a Very approximat value?

( Purchasing it at auction, in a lot with cleaning rods and a walking stick has me wondering if I robbed myself or not!)
Thank you for your time,
Richard.

I will tell you what little I know, and hopefully Jim or one of the other board members who is more knowledgable (and has access to references I do not!) can fill in any blanks (and correct any mistakes!)

1. The projections are, I believe, an additional knuckleguard. I have seen one of these where they arced across and formed a complete ring, but most are flat.

2. Most of these that I've seen date to the mid-1800s. There were a couple of weapons forms that seemed to evolve and disappear very quickly.

3. This is one where the people with reference books will have to help you out. What little I know I've gleaned here and there, but I don't have any good sources.

One thing you can do is go do Google Image Search and look up 'nimcha'. Click on any pictures that resemble your sword and if the page is still up you may find some information that way.

4. I'll PM you on this one.

Rick · 31st January 2007, 02:58 PM

5. Enter nimcha into this forum's search engine for previous threads on these swords .

Pukka Bundook · 1st February 2007, 03:20 AM

Thank you for the answers Fenris, and Rick.
Will delve into archives and see what I can unearth.

If anyone else has anything they can add, I would be most grateful.

I can think of lots of questions, but must discipline myself!.........and see if the answers are alredy here somewhere on this forum!!

Richard.

Rick · 1st February 2007, 03:04 PM

The only thing I can add is that in my very limited exposure to these swords and comparing this one to my example of this type of sayf/nimcha ; I have never seen those projecting lugs on the quillons before .

Pukka Bundook · 1st February 2007, 03:22 PM

Thanks for reply, Rick.
I think I saw some when doing a search, that had a half-circle set-up, but not just projections.
I found the pic of yours, V. interesting!
Very similar hilt, Very different blade!
Did you find any more information re. the blade?

On mine may I ask "now what?"

is it OK to re-align the horn in the centre of the handle,?.......it looks like the original horn used was hollow, (as to be expected) and had a piece inserted, that has moved somehow.
What about the cracked/chipped end of handle, should I fix or leave alone?

And the wire-brush marks? dull it down? ?

Clean blade at all?.........w.o. removing pits of course!!

I know this is not an expensive sword, but still don't want to do the wrong thing.
Thanks,
Richard.

31st January 2007, 12:38 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Nimcha Thank you Sir, for the reply. After posting the pictures, I did see a similar example in an old 1978 Arms and armour review. Felt somewhat embarrased not knowing the correct name! I have the odd question; 1, Can you tell me what the projections perpendicular to the blade are for? 2, Is it possible to give an approximate age to this sword? 3, Does anyone know of a source of information about Nimchas? (I don't like to be ignorant!!) 4, Would it be possible for someone to PM me with a Very approximat value? ( Purchasing it at auction, in a lot with cleaning rods and a walking stick has me wondering if I robbed myself or not!) Thank you for your time, Richard.

1st February 2007, 03:20 AM	#5
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Nimcha. Thank you for the answers Fenris, and Rick. Will delve into archives and see what I can unearth. If anyone else has anything they can add, I would be most grateful. I can think of lots of questions, but must discipline myself!.........and see if the answers are alredy here somewhere on this forum!! Richard.

1st February 2007, 03:04 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	The only thing I can add is that in my very limited exposure to these swords and comparing this one to my example of this type of sayf/nimcha ; I have never seen those projecting lugs on the quillons before . Last edited by Rick; 1st February 2007 at 08:59 PM.

31st January 2007, 04:05 AM	#1
FenrisWolf Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181	Any time you want to get rid of that 'clunker', I'm sure you'll find someone to take it off your hands. That particular style of hilt belongs to a 'Nimcha'; a Berber sword, almost always seen with a European blade. It's also not uncommon to see tribal markings added to the blade at the time the hilt was attached, so you probably still have one on your sword, it's just been dressed up a bit. The odd quillions and the pseudo-pistol grip hilt are typical, though most I've seen are flat, without the projections rising perpendicular to the blade. Even in rough shape like this it's nice to have as an example of type in your collection. Ones in decent shape tend to be quite pricey.

31st January 2007, 02:58 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	5. Enter nimcha into this forum's search engine for previous threads on these swords .

1st February 2007, 03:22 PM	#7
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Thanks for reply, Rick. I think I saw some when doing a search, that had a half-circle set-up, but not just projections. I found the pic of yours, V. interesting! Very similar hilt, Very different blade! Did you find any more information re. the blade? On mine may I ask "now what?" is it OK to re-align the horn in the centre of the handle,?.......it looks like the original horn used was hollow, (as to be expected) and had a piece inserted, that has moved somehow. What about the cracked/chipped end of handle, should I fix or leave alone? And the wire-brush marks? dull it down? ? Clean blade at all?.........w.o. removing pits of course!! I know this is not an expensive sword, but still don't want to do the wrong thing. Thanks, Richard.